We are all looking for something new to experience when it comes to travel or want to get there without having multiple stop or being forced to overnight along the way. Recently, Delta Airlines expanded seasonal service from JFK and Atlanta to the island of Antigua in the Caribbean. While this may not seem like a big deal, it really is. With this new expanded service we can no fly from Omaha to what is called the most romantic island in the Caribbean with just one change of planes in Atlanta. is there a catch, yes…the catch is that you will fly only on Saturdays. Which means you get to spend a week in paradise and experience one of the many beaches or try out the longest running BBQ in the Caribbean. Come check out this new destination and disconnect for a while.
H10 to open second resort in Punta Cana
Ocean by H10 Hotels is schedule to open its newest all inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic February 2019. The Ocean El Faro will be located on the large stretch of beach in the Uvero Alto region of Punta Cana. This family friendly resort will feature 5 swimming pools, 9 dining options (a 10th for Privilege guests), along with multiple bars including 5 swim up bars. It will offer its Daisy Kids Club for kids 4-12 and there is also a teen area for 13-17 year olds. If you like to keep active, there is a diving center, casino, bowling alley, and theater - so there you will find something for everyone!
Hostels - Hilton style
Hilton Hotels is bringing on a new brand aimed on the hostel demographic. Hostels are not just for the poor college kids looking to explore Europe. There are many adults who prefer the in depth style of staying in a hostel along with the lower price point. They get to see more of the “real” country and get to meet people from other countries. Motto by Hilton will be local in the prime hostel cities while still offering a urban feel. They see how those who stay in hostels are looking for me but unfortunately, there are some limitations. One of the nice perks of this new model is that it will allow you to book linked or connecting rooms at once time especially when traveling with family. Now you can also split payment among your party which is something you can’t do with typical hotels.
Titantic II to set sail in 2022
Are you the King or Queen of the World??? Well, now you can be!!! Titanic II is scheduled to go into service in 2022. It will begin with a 14 days sailing starting in Dubai on its way to Southampton. After a stop here, it will then follow the exact same course as the original Titanic. The same high end luxury including the same cabin layout that was found on the original ship. It will then continue on doing world cruises throughout 2022.
Of course, it will also have all the modern 21st century technology to enjoy your cruise but not have the same fate. This vessel will hold 2,400 passengers and with word finally getting around, this will be a truly once in a lifetime experience.
Mexico Immigration Tourist Card - Now Online
Does this scenario sounds familiar to you...You are heading to Mexico for that much needed time away but just before you land the flight attendants walk down the aisle to hand you the immigration form to fill out. You are search for a pen or call dibs on the pen when then passenger next to you is done. Once you have the pen, hopefully you have all the information readily available and that you don't make an error.
Well, that is all changing! You can now fill out the immigration/tourist card online 30 days prior to your arrival.
I've provided two different links - one is the from the Mexican Immigration Department and the other is from the Cancun Airport. Forms look different but the end result is the same.
https://www.inm.gob.mx/fmme/publico/en/solicitud.html
https://www.cancunairport.com/tourist-card.html
Here’s what you need to complete the form:
- Contact information
- Passport information
- Full Name of the Hotel in Mexico (Address is asked, but not required)
- Arrival flight information
- Email address to send you the Tourist Card
- A printer to print the Tourist Card
- Don't forget to sign the form!!
Dominican Republic Travel Update
The Dominican Republic is one of the hot spots for Caribbean travel. Price wise it is comparable to flying to Cancun, which is a huge draw for many. The only thing additional we had to do to was purchase a "tourist visa" to enter the country. It was a minimal cost of $10 per person but you had to either pay for it when you arrived along with the other passengers or until couple of years you could prepay it online then print it out to take on your trip.
It was just announced a few weeks ago that a change was made when it came to the tourist visa. Effective April 25, 2018, the Dominican Republic government allowed the cost of the tourist visa to be included in the ticket cost. You still need to show documentation but it has been advised that you will get your "paperwork" when you check in for your flight at the airport. So make sure that on day of departure you stop by the ticket counter to make sure you have your paperwork in order or you may be stuck back in line twice before you are allowed to leave the terminal.
See Japan - Disney Style
For you Disney fans, you've all seen to Disneyland in Californai and DisneyWorld in Florida - but have you seen Japan - Disney Style? No? Well, now you can!! Adventures by Disney - the guided family tour side of Disney - has released Japan as part of their 2019 destinations. They have partnered with the Japan National Tourism Organization to create a trip that is both culturally authentic and deeply immersive. this 11-day, 10-night itinerary, travelers will visit Kyoto, Osaka, Takayama, Hakone and Tokyo. They will explore historical shrines and temples, such as Fushimi Inari Shrine, Sensoji Temple, Pure Water Temple, the Kamakura Daibutsu and Meiji Shrine.
More All Inclusive Resorts Coming to Mexico and the Caribbean
In the past couple of weeks, many resort parent companies have announced expansion plans.
Sunscape Resorts announced that they will be opening its fist property in Cancun on December 1, 2018. It will be names Sunscape Star Cancun situated between Puerto Cancun and Playa Mujeres. The Star concept is designed to offer clients an elevated level of service and amenities, along with its signature Unlimited Fun inclusions.
Playa Resorts not only went public in the last 30 days it also sealed a huge deal purchasing five large resorts in the Montego Bay and Ocho Rios area in Jamaica. The resorts it purchased was the Hilton Rose Hall, and all four Jewel properties - Dunn's River, Runaway Bay, Paradise Cove and Jamaica Grande. It currently operates two Panama Jack resorts in the Cancun/Rivera Maya area in Mexico, the two Hyatt properties in Jamaica, as well as the Sanctuary resort in the Cap Cana area in the Dominican Republic.
Temptation is expanding it's "sexy vacation" options as it released the news that is spending $70 million to build a new resort in the Dominican Republic, which is scheduled to open at the end of 2019. Temptation just recently reopened its Cancun location after a major renovation closed it for several months. It also announced it will be offering the first ever topless Temptation Caribbean Cruise out of Tampa schedule to set sail on February 13, 2020. There will be theme nights, VIP performance and celebrity DJ's on board.
Royalton Resorts is opening a new property in Cancun scheduled to open at the end of 2018 and another resort in Antigua in early 2019. The Cancun resort will offer oceanfront luxury suites and the first Royalton Rooftop SkyClub. Antigua will have very modern accommodation and situated on a private beach.
Sunscape Star Cancun
*Update* Travel Warning to Playa del Carmen
Many of you heard about the travel warning that was released back on March 7th. The US Consulate was shutdown due to explosive devices found on the ferry from Cozumel. In fact, one of the devices did detonate back in February injuring 25 people.
Since then, there have been updates but none of it has been release by the US media. It was announced that the consulate has since reopened in Playa del Carmen and the warning/restriction has been eased. In other words, there is no more warning. Like many other US tourist destinations, you still need to use common sense when traveling - whether domestic or international.
It was discovered that the devices found were not terrorist in nature but in retaliation toward one of owners of the ferry company. Who, at one time, was the governer of the state who was brought up on charges of corruption. This was someone who was upset with the owner and the company and did what he could to get back at him. Sounds familiar these days, I'm sorry to say.
For those of you, who are have already booked your travels or have been on the fence about booking since this warning/restriciotn was announced, you are gonig to be safe gong to the Playa del Carmen area..
No matter where you travel internationally, we do recommend that you do register your travels with the State Deparment, in the event that something should happen abraod in your area. This way they know who is in the area and can reach out to you.
If you have more questions or would like to talk more about this topic, please email or call us.
Passport "Fees" set to increase
The State Department has reviewed the costs involved to create and maintain Passports so effective April 2nd, it will cost $10 more to get and renew your Passport. With the issues involving the REAL ID Act, many more people are opting to get a Passport for both domestic and international travel. (Mind you, a Passport is required to fly internationally). If you have been considering getting your Passport or needing to renew it, you will want to get on it sooner than later, or it will cost you more in the end.
